Brian Ford, Chief Operating Officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been nominated for the NFL Salute to Service Award presented by USAA for the second consecutive year. The announcement was made on October 28, 2025, recognizing Ford’s 19 seasons of dedicated work honoring military service members and their families.
Recognition of Military Commitment
Ford’s extensive involvement includes facilitating the Buccaneers’ Salute to Service efforts, such as exclusive military experiences at home games and annual visits to MacDill Air Force Base. He created a program at U.S. Central Command to award personalized game balls quarterly to distinguished CENTCOM service members.
His military honors include the U.S. Special Operations Command Medal, awarded by U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, the Air Force Public Affairs Association President’s Award, and the CENTCOM ‘Iron Mike’ award. Ford has also participated in military organizations like the 927th Air Refueling Wing Honorary Commander Program and was appointed an Air Force Reserve Command Civic Leader.
Salute to Service Game and Community Impact
The Buccaneers will hold their annual Salute to Service Game on November 9, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium against the New England Patriots. The event will feature military appreciation tributes and a halftime ceremony where over 300 applicants will take the Oath of Enlistment into the U.S. Armed Forces.
USAA and the NFL Foundation will donate a combined $50,000 in the name of the award recipient to military aid societies and charities. Fans can participate in voting for the Salute to Service Award recipient until November 30, 2025, with finalists announced in January and the winner recognized at the NFL Honors ceremony in February 2026.
Brian Ford’s Statement
“It is truly an honor to be nominated again for this award,” Ford said. “There are so many incredible service men and women throughout our community and beyond and it has been my privilege to get to know so many of them throughout my career. There will never be ample words to express our gratitude for their and their families’ service and sacrifice. I am humbled and honored to receive this nomination, but this work would not be possible without the support of the Glazer family and their commitment to honoring our service members.”
Source: Original report